We'd like as many past Scholars as possible to join us at the Closing of the Spectrum Institute. The Closing will begin with remarks from a few distinguished guests, you'll be greeted at the door and given more info on where we are in the series of Closing activities. Past Scholars (if so inclined) are invited to come up and say a few brief words about what Spectrum has meant for your lives and careers. We also hope you might stick around briefly after the Ceremonies conclude and help answer questions about ALA Conference. Please feel free to let me know if you're planning on joining us by leaving your name after an asterisk below:

General Conference Info

Due to the size of the ALA Annual Conference, the event takes place in a convention center and several hotels. For the 2009 Annual Conference, the exhibits, keynote speakers, and many meetings and programs will be held in the McCormick Place West located at 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, IL 60616. Free shuttle service runs between conference hotels and the Convention Center.

Spectrum Volunteers Needed

Welcome New Scholars at the Spectrum Institute Closing on Friday

1:00-3:00pm, Friday 7/10, Hotel Allegro Walnut Ballroom
We'd like as many past Scholars as possible to join us at the Closing of the Spectrum Institute. The Closing will begin with remarks from a few distinguished guests, you'll be greeted at the door and given more info on where we are in the series of Closing activities. Past Scholars (if so inclined) are invited to come up and say a few brief words about what Spectrum has meant for your lives and careers. We also hope you might stick around briefly after the Ceremonies conclude and help answer questions about ALA Conference. Please feel free to let me know if you're planning on joining us by leaving your name after an asterisk below:

Diversity and Outreach Fair Spectrum Booth on Saturday

3:00-5:00pm, Saturday 7/11, McCormick Place Exhibit Floor - Special Events
SPECTRUM SCHOLARS please sign up for a half-hour time slot to be at the booth and to talk to people about your Spectrum experience. Please direct questions to our Booth Coordinator Jade Alburo (jalburo at hotmail.com) and let her know you're volunteering. Time slots are below, just add your name next to a slot and try to pick one that has less than two volunteers.

2:30 Setup: Caroline Caviness

3-3:30pm:

3:30-4pm:

4-4:30pm:

4:40-5pm:

5-5:30 Cleanup:

The annual Diversity and Outreach Fair celebrates local library services, programs and collections to under-served and under-represented communities. This year’s theme highlights services to Older Adults. Visit with program implementers, learn details and strategies for success, and consider how they might be repeated in your library community. Enjoy the music, snacks, prizes, and festive atmosphere while networking and learning about these important programs! Sponsored by DEMCO, Inc.

Sessions of Interest for Spectrum Scholars

Spectrum Scholars please feel free to add any programs you are presenting or coordinating to this list.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Many Voices, One Nation: Changing Communities through Literature and Activism

6-9pm, Friday 7/10, Palmer House State Ballroom
Admission is $10 payable in advance with conference registration or at the door.
This year's Many Voices, One Nation program--an evening of literature and performance during ALA's Annual Library Conference in Chicago--carries the theme “Changing Communities through Literature and Activism” and will feature authors whose works highlight and hope to change societal issues. The 2009 program will feature novelist Nami Mun, author of Miles from Nowhere; spoken word artist George Watsky, a performer on Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry on HBO; poet, children’s author, and librarian Janice Harrington; playwright, poet, and short story write Ed Bok Lee, author of Real Karaoke People; and poet Rachel Zucker, author of The Bad Wife Handbook and creator of “Starting Today: Poems for the First 100 Days.” Attendees will enjoy performances by Hooked on Drums, an urban youth group performing African djembe drumming. Complimentary books and author signings will also be made available.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Priorities, Policies, Participation - A Roadmap to Action

3:30-5:30pm, Saturday 7/11, Hilton Continental C
Have a great idea for the future of the profession? Want something to happen? Feeling unheard or under-served? These leaders want to harness the initiative and imagination of ALA’s diverse members by giving you frank tips for navigating ALA and getting things done. Join the culture of inclusion, flexibility, experimentation, and organizational responsiveness by joining us at this session.Featuring: Dr. Ling Hwey Jeng, Professor and Director, Texas Woman’s University; Terri Kirk, School librarian, Reidland High School; Teri Switzer, Dean of the Library & Professor, University of Colorado

ALA/ProQuest Scholarship Bash

7:00pm, Saturday 7/11, Art Institute of Chicago
ALA will rock the Art Institute of Chicago for the 10th Anniversary Scholarship Bash, Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. This is your chance to discover new works of art and visit your favorites without fighting the crowds because the building will only open to those who buy a ticket to the Bash. Don’t miss this fun interactive evening with music, food and the most acclaimed French Impressionist collection in the US, among other great exhibits…and more. There is fun for all ages, so bring your family. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 onsite and all proceeds go towards scholarships for ALA Library School Scholarships including the Spectrum Scholarships. Tickets may be purchased online through registration or on the paper form. If you registered for Bundled Registration you can go back to online registration or call 1-800-974-3084 to purchase tickets to the Bash. Event Code is AL1.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

1:30-3:00pm, Sunday 7/12, Palmer House Salon XII
In this challenging economic climate, librarians may need to be flexible in their career pursuits. How can new or experienced librarians recreate their professional image to make a career change and take advantage of the diverse opportunities available within librarianship? Join a talented group of ALA Spectrum Scholars who have undergone their own professional identity makeovers for a discussion on effective ways to market yourself when your job experience and available job opportunities don't quite match-up.Featuring: Jade Alburo, Librarian for Southeast Asian Studies, Oceania Australia & New Zealand and Religion Charles E. Young Research Library, UCLA; Floyd G. Council Sr., Regional Branch Manager, Julia Davis Regional Branch Library, St. Louis Public Library; Lorena Mata, Librarian, Evergreen Valley College Library, San Jose, CA; Neely Tang, Public Services Librarian, Management Library of the Johnson School, Cornell University

Monday, July 13, 2009

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Inaugural Banquet

7:00 pm - 12:00 am, Tuesday 7/14, Hilton Grand Ballroom
Join us in celebrating the inauguration of Camila Alire as she assumes the role of the new American Library Association President. The night will also recognize the incoming Divisional presidents and new board members. Dinner and entertainment will round out the evening. Speakers: Jim Rettig, Current American Library Association President; Camila Alire, Incoming American Library Association President Tickets: Advance and Onsite, $89